We Know: All About Common Menstruation Problems What's normal in menstruation? Menstrual cycles vary from woman to woman. They can be light, moderate, or heavy; last anywhere from two to seven days; occur anywhere from every 24 to every 34 days. Moreover, menstrual cycles do not have to occur on the same day every month. Despite the variations, many women experience menstrual cycle abnormalities that include excessive bleeding, prolonged periods (beyond seven days), and irregularities with the frequency of the menstrual cycle itself. Common problems associated with irregularities in menstrual flow. Normal periods begin with moderate bleeding, getting heavier during the succeeding days, and finally lightening near the end of the menstrual cycle. Normal menstrual flows average between 30 milliliters to 50 milliliters. Problems associated with menstrual flow include: Hypermenorrhea - when there is very little bleeding. Menorrhagia - heavy bleeding with flows exceeding 80 milliliters in volume. These problems are due to abnormal uterine bleeding that are attributed to hormonal imbalances (as in adolescence or menopause, thyroid and pituitary irregularities), uterine fibroids, or uterine polyps. Excessive bleeding in women who are post-menopausal and over the age of 50 could signal the presence of endometrial cancer. Common problems associated with irregularities in the frequency of and intervals between menstrual cycles. Normal menstrual cycles occur every 28 days, although they may vary by seven days. Pregnancy, nursing, eating disorders, stress, and hormonal abnormalities can disrupt the intervals between menstrual cycles. Irregularities include: Amenorrhea - no menstrual cycles after more than 180 days, or when there is an absence of a menstrual cycle by the age of 16. Oligomenorrhea - menstrual cycles that exceeds intervals of 35 days since the last menstrual cycle Polymenorrhea - menstrual cycles occurring in less than 21 days since the last menstrual cycle. Common problems associated with irregularities in the duration of menstrual cycles. Changes in the duration of the menstrual cycle may be caused by dysfunctional uterine bleeding due to hormonal changes or the presence of uterine fibroids, abnormalities, or cancer. Menstruation problems in this category include: Anovulation - occurs when the ovaries fail to produce or release eggs, or when eggs fail to mature. Metorrhagia - excessive bleeding with no apparent interval. What are the other problems associated with menstrual cycles? The phenomenon of painful periods is known as dysmenorrhea. Excessive quantities of the hormone prostaglandin causes severe cramping. Potential causes include the presence of uterine fibroids or endometriosis. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when an infection of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus produces fevers and a foul-smelling discharge. PID is most likely caused by sexually transmitted diseases. PID can result in the scarring of uterine tissue or lead to the formation of abscesses. Birth control methods can also reek havoc on the menstrual cycle. The presence of an intra-uterine device (IUD) can alter menstrual flow. Birth control pills, on the other hand, regulates irregular menstrual cycles.
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